Platelet-Rich Plasma and the Knee-Applications in Orthopedic Surgery

To consolidate and synthesize the most recent evidence on the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the knee with respect to osteoarthritis, meniscal injuries, ACL reconstruction, total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and high tibial osteotomy.

PRP has been shown to be more beneficial in the context of knee osteoarthritis compared to both placebo and hyaluronic acid. Direct comparison with corticosteroid injections has been sparsely studied. It has also been shown to improve the clinical postoperative course in meniscal injuries and to a lesser extent TKA. Radiographic improvements without clinically significant benefits have been observed with ACL reconstructions treated with PRP. PRP injections may be more beneficial than other current non-surgical management options for specific knee pathologies. Further research should broaden the knowledge of PRP effects on the knee, and identify the type of PRP, growth factor distribution, and route of administration associated with the most benefit.